The Milano-Sanremo has been part of Italian popular culture since 1907, a sporting event often linked to some of the most significant episodes in contemporary national history. The official website of the race mentions for example the Sanremo of 1946 which took place the day after the announcement of the will to abdicate by King Vittorio Emanuele III. But that edition is not only remembered for this. Just 24 hours after the earthquake at the top of the House of Savoy, Fausto Coppi won that 37th edition at the end of a legendary breakaway, all by himself for 150 km until he accumulated a 14-minute advantage over the second. Given the size of the gap between the Campionissimo and his immediate pursuers, Nicolò Carosio, who at the time was commenting on the race on the radio, uttered one of his sentences that went down in history: "First, Fausto Coppi, waiting for the runner-up, let's broadcast dance music!"
Other times. Today it's a luxury if it doesn't end with the final sprint. Even this Sanremo, as indeed has been happening for decades, will be played elbow to elbow in the traditional tussle that breaks out as soon as you deviate from the Aurelia on the Poggio ramps, before the final dive at the finish line. A very classic spring event, rather than the absolutely tolerable altimetric difficulties, it is the length, approaching 300 km, that selects the forces in the field, draining even the legs of some sprint kings of energy. Here because André Greipel gave up on it at the start as indeed Marcel Kittel has been doing for some time now, a prodigy of sprints, who has always collapsed on the few hairpin bends of the Poggio. After all, the Turchino, the Cipressa and the Poggio have not climbed such as to attract the climbers or the big names of the big stage races who have always deserted the Sanremo: for the moment there is no news of Froome; Contador, the unlucky protagonist at the recent Paris-Nice, has always snubbed her. Nairo Quintana, after winning his second Tirreno-Adriatico in a big way, returned to Colombia to prepare for the Giro and also the Tour. This year – edition no. 108 – there won't even be Nibali and Aru, the former with little preparation, the latter struggling with health problems.
Super favorite in today's race is Peter Sagan. The Slovak, an authentic champion on two wheels, has never won the Sanremo. Twice fourth, once second in 2013 behind the German Gerald Ciolek, the world champion for some years has abandoned the uncomfortable role of eternal runner, winning races over and over again. He has all the credentials to be the rider who returns to triumph in the rainbow jersey 34 years after the last time by Giuseppe Saronni in 1983. The bookmakers are firmly betting on the leader of Bora-Hansgrohe, quoting him at 3. Only Gaviria, the Colombian sprinter, and John Degenkolb, winner in 2015, are given in single digits at 5 and 9 respectively. Alexander Kristoff, winner in 2014, is listed at 14. At 16, follow the French Arnaud Démare, last year's winner, and Nacer Bouhanni, the Briton Mark Cavendish and Australian Michael Matthews. Withdrew from racing Fabian Cancellara, a finisseur in circulation with the characteristics of the Swiss champion, there are few left capable of a solitary stretch in view of the finish line: Greg Van Avermaet and Mikahl Kwiatkowski seem to be in the best shape but always keep an eye out for two Belgian foxes like Tom Boonen and Gilbert Philippe and the French Julian Alaphilippe. On paper, there's no match for the Italians unless Sonny Colbrelli finds the leap that allowed him to beat everyone at the finish line of the second stage of the Paris-Nice. Others? At Viviani, Modolo and Ulissi, it would be like making six at SuperEnalotto.
